The Blues continue to face challenges despite their efforts under the Bohley-Clearlake era. Mauricio Pochettino has addressed Chelsea’s performance this season and issued a caution to Mykhailo Mudric about first-team opportunities.
With 31 points in the Premier League after 22 games, Chelsea sits in 10th place. Pochettino defends the team’s standing by mentioning that Graham Potter faced a similar situation at this stage last season.
In the upcoming match against Wolves, Pochettino aims to secure a victory, but Mudrick’s role has diminished since his significant transfer to Chelsea for £88.5 million. When questioned about Mudric’s limited playtime, Pochettino points out that the Ukrainian started in a crucial semi-final against Middlesbrough.
Pochettino emphasizes the importance of form throughout the season and stresses a meritocratic approach within the coaching team. He acknowledges Mudric’s potential and quality but acknowledges the need for improvement.
The manager notes the considerable changes in the team from the previous season, with 15 to 16 players having transitioned. Pochettino rejects comparisons between seasons, highlighting the uniqueness of each campaign.
Addressing the squad composition, Pochettino points out the presence of two Champions League-winning goalkeepers in the previous season and the current inclusion of two young goalkeepers, Kepa and Mendy.
Regarding financial considerations, Pochettino dismisses money as an excuse and stresses the need to invest wisely for future success. He cautions against viewing team building as a magical process, emphasizing the challenge of assembling a squad with numerous new players.
Pochettino concludes by questioning the performance of specific players, highlighting the need for effective management and the importance of circumstances in evaluating player outcomes.